I recently read “The Summerhouse” by author Jude Deveraux. It is the story of three friends who, given the chance, decide to go back so they can change their lives. Two of them do make immediate changes in the past. The third decides to leave things as they are and make the necessary changes when she comes back to the present, though she does learn important things about herself in the process.
Would that is was that simple, going back and making changes to better our lives and bring great blessing. While considering these things I felt God nudging me to listen. What I heard Him say is; I don’t need magic, or to go back in time. I can claim His blessings today, making my life better and thus impacting the lives of others.
So, I did. I made decisions for health and blessing, I claimed them in Jesus name and I spoke health and blessing to my life. This I did through silent prayer since I had been warned by a close relative, who is a good Christian, that God told her/him to pray silently so that the devil could not hear and interfere.
Soon after my prayer I went online. I had one new email, from a fellow author and member of our prayer group. She sent a devotional which confirmed the things I believed to have taken place in my life, both spiritual and physical. Praise God for what is ahead.
I expect great changes to come about in my life in the weeks ahead. I will keep track of them and make a list of the changes God has wrought to post next month. Join me in praising God and in praying for all those who need such change in their lives.
With great expectation I begin the journey. May all be for His glory!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Our Amazing God
How amazing to know that God continues to teach. This fifty something writer feels blessed through His teaching. I'm learning that we, no matter what our job, living conditions, family ties, financial state, all go through periods of uncertainty. We wonder why we go through the things we do. We debate whether to change jobs, go for something more daring or just something different to get us out of the rut we're in.
Writers are not alone in the struggle to continue day in and day out working with little encouragement. Some of us even experience barriers put up by those closest to us. A word or action by those we love can set us back weeks or months if we are not careful to take it to God immediately, leaving it with Him. And if some outside element or force attacks, we are struck, almost a physical blow.
When things like this happen it is difficult to recover the joy and excitement we feel when we are penning His words. For that is what we do. Yes, much of what I do is fiction, but the purpose is to reach others for him. To bring His love and the hope of Christ to a hopeless world.
I used to feel so alone, but recently through other Christians I've found that hopelessness is no respector of persons, gender, bank balance or creative ability. It hits when you least expect it and when you are most vulnerable. I think hopelessness must be one of the devils most useful tools.
Seeking Christ and asking Him to take that burden off my shoulders is such a source of encouragement. He will deliver me from the deep depression that hopelessness brings. In place of that heavy, darkness He brings His light. I pray the same will be true for you.
Lord, let your light shine through every word penned this year. Through every thought that reaches someone else for you, through every opportunity to encourage someone for You. May you be glorified through us all. In Your precious name I pray. Amen!!
Writers are not alone in the struggle to continue day in and day out working with little encouragement. Some of us even experience barriers put up by those closest to us. A word or action by those we love can set us back weeks or months if we are not careful to take it to God immediately, leaving it with Him. And if some outside element or force attacks, we are struck, almost a physical blow.
When things like this happen it is difficult to recover the joy and excitement we feel when we are penning His words. For that is what we do. Yes, much of what I do is fiction, but the purpose is to reach others for him. To bring His love and the hope of Christ to a hopeless world.
I used to feel so alone, but recently through other Christians I've found that hopelessness is no respector of persons, gender, bank balance or creative ability. It hits when you least expect it and when you are most vulnerable. I think hopelessness must be one of the devils most useful tools.
Seeking Christ and asking Him to take that burden off my shoulders is such a source of encouragement. He will deliver me from the deep depression that hopelessness brings. In place of that heavy, darkness He brings His light. I pray the same will be true for you.
Lord, let your light shine through every word penned this year. Through every thought that reaches someone else for you, through every opportunity to encourage someone for You. May you be glorified through us all. In Your precious name I pray. Amen!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thank You
Oct. 23. Saying “Thank You” seems an easy thing to do, and yet when there are no words to describe how you feel it seems a daunting task.
For over 60 to 70 days there were people living and working alongside us who whether they know it or not have; improved living conditions, eased stressful situations, cooked and delivered hundreds of thousands of meals, lifted heavy loads, moved tons of debris, became friends and generally blessed us with their presence.
On the 22nd of Oct. my husband and I walked the halls of FBC Baytown feeling the emptiness and missing the “Beautiful Mess” more than those who’ve returned to their homes and families could dream. We spoke with one of the few remaining gentlemen later that evening and told him that we would miss them when they returned to their homes. He couldn’t believe it any more than we could grasp, weeks ago, why so many would come to help us.
It is unfathomable what has happened to us through the disaster brought by Hurricane Ike. To say that God works in mysterious ways seems almost an understatement. Our feelings are so fresh and run so deep that words fail.
Humbly I go to God with a heart so full, the only expression that seems to fit are the tears that fill my eyes. Knowing that He knows my every thought and feeling brings relief because “Thank You” just isn’t enough.
So, dear friends from North Carolina Baptist Men and Women & Red Cross, may God’s blessings fill your lives and families. May you know how you have blessed all those whose lives are touched by your generosity and willingness to be the ones to come in and face these formidable circumstances.
Though words fail, praying that you will know the depth of feeling these two words hold, I say “Thank You!”
Note: At any given time from Sept. 14th through the next sixty days you could find the halls and many rooms of our church lined with make shift beds. Some had air mattresses, some only a pallet on the floor. Every bed was neat and most of them had either their Bible or a momento from home laying on top. There were crates or boxes used as night stands with a picture or other momento sitting next to alarm clocks and brushes.
Many days I spent listening and watching as people came and went; working, visiting, meeting to share how they could do things more efficiently or where needs could be better met. We became a community, our church and the 300 plus who lived with us for those weeks post Ike. It left us forever changed and forever grateful to our God for the graciousness of these volunteers.
Thank You Father. Please continue to bless them for their willingness to help. Be with them and protect them in their work. Be with their families, provide and protect them as thier loved ones continue in their jobs. Be glorified through them, Lord and may many be reached for you because of them. And Father, I pray that you would give them a special blessing today. In Jesus name, Amen.
For over 60 to 70 days there were people living and working alongside us who whether they know it or not have; improved living conditions, eased stressful situations, cooked and delivered hundreds of thousands of meals, lifted heavy loads, moved tons of debris, became friends and generally blessed us with their presence.
On the 22nd of Oct. my husband and I walked the halls of FBC Baytown feeling the emptiness and missing the “Beautiful Mess” more than those who’ve returned to their homes and families could dream. We spoke with one of the few remaining gentlemen later that evening and told him that we would miss them when they returned to their homes. He couldn’t believe it any more than we could grasp, weeks ago, why so many would come to help us.
It is unfathomable what has happened to us through the disaster brought by Hurricane Ike. To say that God works in mysterious ways seems almost an understatement. Our feelings are so fresh and run so deep that words fail.
Humbly I go to God with a heart so full, the only expression that seems to fit are the tears that fill my eyes. Knowing that He knows my every thought and feeling brings relief because “Thank You” just isn’t enough.
So, dear friends from North Carolina Baptist Men and Women & Red Cross, may God’s blessings fill your lives and families. May you know how you have blessed all those whose lives are touched by your generosity and willingness to be the ones to come in and face these formidable circumstances.
Though words fail, praying that you will know the depth of feeling these two words hold, I say “Thank You!”
Note: At any given time from Sept. 14th through the next sixty days you could find the halls and many rooms of our church lined with make shift beds. Some had air mattresses, some only a pallet on the floor. Every bed was neat and most of them had either their Bible or a momento from home laying on top. There were crates or boxes used as night stands with a picture or other momento sitting next to alarm clocks and brushes.
Many days I spent listening and watching as people came and went; working, visiting, meeting to share how they could do things more efficiently or where needs could be better met. We became a community, our church and the 300 plus who lived with us for those weeks post Ike. It left us forever changed and forever grateful to our God for the graciousness of these volunteers.
Thank You Father. Please continue to bless them for their willingness to help. Be with them and protect them in their work. Be with their families, provide and protect them as thier loved ones continue in their jobs. Be glorified through them, Lord and may many be reached for you because of them. And Father, I pray that you would give them a special blessing today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Asking For God's Blessing
My family is such a blessing. Having children changed my life in ways I could never have dreamed. Now that they are grown, with lives of their own, I want so much to be always there for them.
If I feel this way about my family, how much more must our Lord, our Heavenly Father, feel like that about us. He desires, deeply, that we call on Him when we have troubles. But we want, like children, to do it ourselves. How often do we cheat ourselves out of the blessings God has waiting for us?
I am determined to, from this day on, ask Him for my needs, wants and tell Him my deepest dreams and wishes. Only He can make things happen in the way that will fit His plan for me. Everything else He will enable me to let go of. I am so glad that I have realized this, finally.
No wishing I’d known it sooner; I wouldn’t have been ready. No regretting the long wait and advanced years. I am who I am through Him and I know that the years ahead will be richer and fuller because of a closer relationship to Him and a willingness to ask Him for all my needs and desires. I trust that He will design my days with His plan and His glory in mind.
I will always want and try to be there for my children and my sweet husband, but I will trust them to God’s hands more. I will continue to pray for them daily as I always have and I know that life couldn’t be any better, than it is with our Lord.
Thank You, Lord!
If I feel this way about my family, how much more must our Lord, our Heavenly Father, feel like that about us. He desires, deeply, that we call on Him when we have troubles. But we want, like children, to do it ourselves. How often do we cheat ourselves out of the blessings God has waiting for us?
I am determined to, from this day on, ask Him for my needs, wants and tell Him my deepest dreams and wishes. Only He can make things happen in the way that will fit His plan for me. Everything else He will enable me to let go of. I am so glad that I have realized this, finally.
No wishing I’d known it sooner; I wouldn’t have been ready. No regretting the long wait and advanced years. I am who I am through Him and I know that the years ahead will be richer and fuller because of a closer relationship to Him and a willingness to ask Him for all my needs and desires. I trust that He will design my days with His plan and His glory in mind.
I will always want and try to be there for my children and my sweet husband, but I will trust them to God’s hands more. I will continue to pray for them daily as I always have and I know that life couldn’t be any better, than it is with our Lord.
Thank You, Lord!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Paper Roses
It is true that pain can cause us to turn from God, but we can’t hide from Him no matter how far we run. The main characters in Paper Roses are about to find this out.
Sarah, filled with hatred, is running from pain, loss and ridicule. She has taken her little sister with her to start a new life with the man of her dreams. Upon her arrival she is met by more change, perhaps more than she can handle.
Clay is ready to run back to the city but first he must fulfill his responsibility to his brother’s bride. He must see her safely onto the stage back east so he can concentrate on finding the man responsible for his brother’s death, then he’ll leave this God forsaken place. Clay hides behind anger, but will that anger keep him from the love that is waiting?
Can these two lost souls find God’s will in their lives before anger consumes them? Will Sarah be able to keep her secret and make a home in this small town for her little sister?
Amanda Cabot has written an inspiring story, truly a page turner. I enjoyed it fully and though I intend to pass the book along to family I will put it on my shelves as soon as it returns. Great job, Ms. Cabot.
Paper Roses
By: Amanda Cabot
Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group)
ISBN # 978-0-8007-3324-7
$13.99
Sarah, filled with hatred, is running from pain, loss and ridicule. She has taken her little sister with her to start a new life with the man of her dreams. Upon her arrival she is met by more change, perhaps more than she can handle.
Clay is ready to run back to the city but first he must fulfill his responsibility to his brother’s bride. He must see her safely onto the stage back east so he can concentrate on finding the man responsible for his brother’s death, then he’ll leave this God forsaken place. Clay hides behind anger, but will that anger keep him from the love that is waiting?
Can these two lost souls find God’s will in their lives before anger consumes them? Will Sarah be able to keep her secret and make a home in this small town for her little sister?
Amanda Cabot has written an inspiring story, truly a page turner. I enjoyed it fully and though I intend to pass the book along to family I will put it on my shelves as soon as it returns. Great job, Ms. Cabot.
Paper Roses
By: Amanda Cabot
Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group)
ISBN # 978-0-8007-3324-7
$13.99
Monday, December 8, 2008
Love Finds You in Miracle Kentucky
Meghan has a lot to learn about Christians and belonging to God. The winding road to Miracle leads through fertile hills of change. Perhaps more change than Meggie can handle.
It all begins with her grandmother. Loretta offers a place to stay when Meghan is accepted as the new teacher at a charter school for gifted kids. When her grandmother gives in to the notion of match making Meghan isn’t sure she’s ready, but who can say no to Grams?
The year ahead is filled with adjustment, strife and reconciliation. Meghan could have never known that coming to Miracle would indeed be a miraculous journey into life and love.
Andrea Boeshaar has presented us with a wonderful story. We’ve all wondered what we would do if we had to start over. For the first time Meghan is truly free, but how to use that freedom? Read for yourself, you won’t be sorry.
Love Finds You in Miracle Kentucky
By: Andrea Boeshaar
Summerside Press
ISBN-10: 1-934770-37-X
$12.99
It all begins with her grandmother. Loretta offers a place to stay when Meghan is accepted as the new teacher at a charter school for gifted kids. When her grandmother gives in to the notion of match making Meghan isn’t sure she’s ready, but who can say no to Grams?
The year ahead is filled with adjustment, strife and reconciliation. Meghan could have never known that coming to Miracle would indeed be a miraculous journey into life and love.
Andrea Boeshaar has presented us with a wonderful story. We’ve all wondered what we would do if we had to start over. For the first time Meghan is truly free, but how to use that freedom? Read for yourself, you won’t be sorry.
Love Finds You in Miracle Kentucky
By: Andrea Boeshaar
Summerside Press
ISBN-10: 1-934770-37-X
$12.99
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Love Finds You in Snowball Arkansas
True love comes in many shapes and sizes. Much to our chagrin it also comes in surprising ways. Lucy is tired of waiting! She signs up for a retreat and ends up doing things she’s never dreamed of, all to get the attention of the man of her dreams.
Determined to make this trip worthwhile she throws herself into it with abandon, knowing it could change her life. Just thinking about spending all those hours with Justin has her planning things she had never given a thought to before.
When things go wrong and she ends up looking like a klutz Lucy tries to keep her hopes alive. But who would want to take the time to get to know such a clumsy girl. Surely, Justin, the perfect sportsman wouldn’t want to ruin his trip hanging out with such a loser.
Will Justin find out how much fun Lucy is to be around? Will Lucy find love in Snowball Arkansas? Read for yourself, I can assure you it is a snowy sleigh ride of laughter and fun.
Ms. Bricker has written a story that shows all the hope of a young girl in love. It also shows the spiritual growth of a girl who is willing to continually seek God and His will in her life, in spite of what she wants. Well done.
Love Finds You in Snowball Arkansas
By: Sandra D. Bricker
Summerside Press
ISBN-10: 1-934770-45-0
$12.99
Determined to make this trip worthwhile she throws herself into it with abandon, knowing it could change her life. Just thinking about spending all those hours with Justin has her planning things she had never given a thought to before.
When things go wrong and she ends up looking like a klutz Lucy tries to keep her hopes alive. But who would want to take the time to get to know such a clumsy girl. Surely, Justin, the perfect sportsman wouldn’t want to ruin his trip hanging out with such a loser.
Will Justin find out how much fun Lucy is to be around? Will Lucy find love in Snowball Arkansas? Read for yourself, I can assure you it is a snowy sleigh ride of laughter and fun.
Ms. Bricker has written a story that shows all the hope of a young girl in love. It also shows the spiritual growth of a girl who is willing to continually seek God and His will in her life, in spite of what she wants. Well done.
Love Finds You in Snowball Arkansas
By: Sandra D. Bricker
Summerside Press
ISBN-10: 1-934770-45-0
$12.99
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